1. Take better shots. "It's not your shot, it's our shot." Know what your quality shots are and those of your teammates. Do not force shots or take "shot turnovers." Remember Pete Newell's "get more and better shots than your opponent." There is no "my turn." We've all seen players with clocks in their head that 'go off' and pressure a shot.
2. Take care of the ball. Stop throwing it away, traveling, catching the ball out of bounds, and so much more. "The ball is gold."
3. Know your assignments. You can't do your job if you don't know what it is. $Study.
4. Pound the boards. If everyone gets #OneMoreRebound, then our success multiplies. The game is about POSSESSION and POSSESSIONS.
5. Make layups and free throws. Yes, your friends and family love to watch you tricky dribble And1 style. You get no points for dribbling. Klay Thompson scored SIXTY points with eleven dribbles. 11.
6. Talk. Call the screens, call the cutters, call the ball. Talk energizes and intimidates. "Early, loud, and often..."
7. Win this possession. Emily Dickinson wrote, "Forever is composed of nows." Embrace that.
8. Attack. Attack the basket, attack the defense, attack the ball. The meek will inherit the earth, but not the basketball court.
9. CARE. Concentrate - anticipate - react - execute. It's not enough to sprint up and down the court. Alertness and awareness define you. "The ball scores." You cannot* defend without seeing the ball (okay, there is full denial, chest-to-chest defense for another time).
10.Share the ball. "Movement kills defense." Move yourself and the ball. Don't be a "ball sticker."
Lagniappe: Spain Pick and Roll (and more)
Better terminology brings clarity. Coach K calls "hedge" or "show" the fake trap PnR defense.
